The place of Yoga in our lives

Yoga as a practice is a means to an end… but what goals do we assign ourselves to our practice? 

Goal setting has to be correct, as is the case in the corporate world, the goal, the mission charter, the entire plan, right? Likewise for your Yogic Journey.

Today I find most people promote Yoga as a means to fitness, beauty, stress relief, weight optimisation, and it’s become a challenge of physical prowess in Yoga competitions of completing 108 surya namaskars in record time. We even have trending classes like Hot Yoga, Nude Yoga, and even Beer Yoga! Such approaches can reduce this amazing science to a lower position! 

It is true that Yoga can be a boon to general health management or disease management. A customised program based on your needs can create a magical change. For a worldly being, even a 30 minute practice session can make a positive impact.  However it is essential that it is practised under the right guidance. As an example, people with diabetes or heart issues need specific techniques and if done wrongly, can be dangerous. The knowledge of the correct breathing, organ/limb thus impacted, contraindications, or counter poses need to be indicated by the instructor. 

So there are undoubtedly many physical benefits you can hope to achieve through Yoga, and if this is your goal, there is no harm in that. But it is good to develop your practice with the awareness that, under the right guidance, Yoga can go beyond physical benefit. It can enhance your inner potential beyond imagination, irrespective of age, gender, caste, creed, or religion. It can take us on a journey of mental and spiritual transformation, that helps you enhance the inner locus of control.

The journey could begin as health management, fitness, or anti aging, but having attained the benefits thereof, one can be inspired to ask and find out more. Why? Because each one of us is looking for a means of inner happiness, purpose and fulfilment, often desperately! The Yogic Philosophy can cater to that universal need. 

The most essential aspect though: let us begin the journey for whatever reason, but go for what is authentic and reliable. Let’s celebrate life the Yogic Way!